Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 11) — Former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) senior executive assistant Jeffrey Tumbado on Wednesday recanted his corruption allegations against suspended chief Teofilo Guadiz III and other transportation officials.
Tumbado apologized to Guadiz, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and the Office of the President for his statements.
\”It is my honest desire to reiterate whatever allegations may have been said during the press conference on October 9, 2023, where the public declaration was made, were all unintentional and misguided,\” he said in his affidavit of recantation shared to media.
“All of the things said were borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making and were encouraged by some individuals to make the statement which may have added to my confusion and affected my better judgment,” he added.
Tumbado alleged that operators have to pay transport officials up to ₱5 million in exchange for franchise, additional routes, and special permits.
He also claimed Guadiz receives instructions from higher officials in the Department of Transportation and Malacañang regarding the bribery.
Tumbado’s allegations led to the suspension of Guadiz.
Bautista earlier said he is planning to file a complaint against anyone who is “maligning” his name.
While clearing Guadiz and other transportation officials, Tumbado maintained that anomalies persist within the LTFRB.
